National Football League free agency 2018: Buffalo Bills to sign DT Star Lotulelei

A first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Lotulelei has been with the Carolina Panthers for the first five years of his career.

Soon after the Bills traded Marcell Dareus to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, the run defense suffered. By signing Lotulelei, Buffalo's front office fills a glaring hole with a familiar face. Williams is unsigned and has also contemplated the possibility of retiring.

Kyle Williams, who started all 16 games at defensive tackle last season for the Bills, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.

Lotulelei played under Bills coach Sean McDermott from 2013 through 2016 when McDermott was the Panthers' defensive coordinator.

In five seasons, Lotulelei hasn't qualified for one Pro Bowl and has tallied just 11.5 sacks.

His future in Carolina was uncertain after the Panthers signed defensive tackle Kawann Short to a five-year, $80 million contract extension last offseason, and also used a first-round pick to draft Vernon Butler last year.